AI and digital strategies top business agenda

CGI, an independent IT and business consulting services firm, has released its annual global proprietary research. The report analyses findings from more than 1,800 in-person interviews with business and technology executives, of which 80% are C-level. The UK analysis includes 168 discussions, across 129 organisations, 42% of which were conducted with business leaders and 58% with IT leaders.

The results of the in-depth study show the emergence of significant global and national trends that will continue to shape the world of business and IT. 

“Businesses want growth and cost control, they want innovation and ROI. Achieving this isn’t impossible, but it does mean a clear and strategic focus to deliver tangible business outcomes that all organisations are striving for.”

“The dual agenda of growth and efficiencies will be a critical moment for businesses and force them to evolve their business models, apply innovation, and continue to bring business and IT priorities together.”

The ‘And’ agenda: Optimising processes, controlling costs and improve customer experience 

In the UK, leaders are ambitious in their aims and they are looking internally first. The top business priority for UK organisations is to optimise their processes through digitisation, automation and AI, with a third (32%) citing this. This is followed by 27% who say controlling costs and increasing profitability is a top priority, ahead of a quarter (25%) of respondents that noted improving customer or citizen experience and centricity. 

While close to one in five (17%) reveal a top business priority for them is to become data-driven, over double (35%) state that delivering value and insight through AI and data is a key IT focus for them. 

Increasing advantages for digital leaders

In a startling wake up for those not pushing forward with their digital endeavours, the detailed research shows that there is a gulf emerging between the digital leaders and the rest of the pack. Digital leaders, those who are seeing the most value from their digital strategies, are proving more successful across a variety of initiatives. Globally, 80% of digital leaders say their digital strategies are making a strong impact on their business model; although, this impact isn’t as strong in the UK with 68% of UK digital leaders saying the same. 

Closer business and IT alignment

The alignment between business and IT operations to execute a shared strategy is at its highest level globally. And the UK is no different: 92% of IT leaders and 94% of business leaders agree there is a strong level of alignment to support their organisation’s strategy. 

“The perennial battle between IT and business appears to not just be fading, but instead replaced by a mutual understanding and collaboration between the teams,” added Tara McGeehan.

“Driving this sense of aligned purpose is a combination of efficiency focus and the use of digital technologies, including AI, to drive business outcomes.”

From intrigue to experimentation: AI for growth

As executives pursue their dual agenda, they are increasingly looking to utilise the benefits of AI. When exploring GenAI, the appetite for exploration is particularly strong in the UK. Nearly nine in ten (87%) of UK respondents are experimenting with GenAI compared to 79% globally. 

“As CGI’s global research demonstrates, industry executives are pursuing AI to evolve entire business models, inform critical decisions, increase efficiency, and accelerate both savings and growth.”